KCACTF Region 5 Festival 57: Full Schedule

Add sessions to your personal schedule to register your attendance (Check-In).

1:00pm CST

Festival Registration Set Up

Sunday January 19, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Jonathan Wehmeyer

Associate Registrar, Truman State University

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Jim Wood currently serves on the KCACTF National Executive Committee as Member-at-Large. He also serves Region 5 as the Registrar and is a former Regional Chair. Jim is a Professor and the Artistic Director of Theatre & Dance at South Dakota State University. An actor, director, designer... Read More →

Sunday January 19, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Information & Registration

Audience Participants Only

3:00pm CST

Volunteer Meeting

Sunday January 19, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

Orientation for all Volunteers

Festival Leadership

Emma Arends

Co Volunteer Coordinator, U of Minnesota Morris

Jacee Casarella

Co-Volunteer Coordinator, Augustana University

Jacee Casarella is an Assistant Teaching Professor, Resident Designer, and Technical Director at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. She is also the Co-Volunteer Coordinator for Region 5, VP of Social Media & Publications for USITT Northern Boundary, and Production Manager for... Read More →

Sunday January 19, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Volunteers

Audience Participants Only

4:00pm CST

Festival Registration

Sunday January 19, 2025 4:00pm - 7:30pm CST

Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor)

No new on-site registrations will be processed after 7pm. We will begin printing badges for those who registered at the festival and they can be picked up 7:15-7:30pm

Festival Leadership

Jonathan Wehmeyer

Associate Registrar, Truman State University

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Sunday January 19, 2025 4:00pm - 7:30pm CST
Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Information & Registration

Audience Everyone

5:00pm CST

Festival Launch Rehearsal

Sunday January 19, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CST

Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor)

(Closed Session)

Festival Leadership

Emily Cherry Oliver

Region 5 Co-Chair, University of North Dakota

Emily Cherry Oliver is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of North Dakota, as well as the Co-Director of the UND AI and Human Innovation Initiative. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and an MFA in Directing, seamlessly integrating both disciplines... Read More →

Lindsey Duoos Williams

Region 5 Co-Chair, Rochester Civic Theatre

Lindsey Duoos Williams is the Artistic Director at Rochester Civic Theatre in Rochester, Minnesota. For thirteen years, she served as the Theatre Director at Riverland Community College in Austin, Minnesota, where she created the state’s only AFA in Musical Theatre degree program... Read More →

Sunday January 19, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CST
Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting

Audience Participants Only

6:00pm CST

SAB Orientation and Dinner

Sunday January 19, 2025 6:00pm - 6:30pm CST

Marriott Rock River Grill

Festival Leadership

Haidee Heaton

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Culver-Stockton College

Haidee Heaton is a Professor of Theatre at Culver-Stockton College where she serves as Associate Division Chair of Fine, Applied, and Literary Arts and Director of the Honors Scholars Program. Haidee teaches performance, directing, critical theory, and voice. Recent directing credits... Read More →

Deidre Mattox

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Hutchinson Community College

Deidre is the current Co-Vice-Chair of Region 5, having previously served as the Region 5 National Playwriting Programs Vice-Chair, Coordinator of the Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy, and Co-Coordinator of Dramaturgy. Deidre is also a recipient of the Region 5 Road Warrior... Read More →

Sunday January 19, 2025 6:00pm - 6:30pm CST
Marriott Rock River Grill 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting

9:30pm CST

10 Min Play/1 Act Orientation

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST

Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor)

Orientation for Playwrights, Directors, Faculty Mentors, Dramaturgs, and Stage Managers of the 10-Minute Plays and One Act Plays.

Festival Leadership

Cat Gleason

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Truman State University

Cat Gleason teaches acting, directing, and stage movement, as well as theatre history and criticism. An award-winning teacher, she has received the Road Warrior and Innovative Teaching honors from The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival KCACTF5 as well as being honored... Read More →

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

Laura Gold (she/her) is the Associate Professor of Theatre at Peru State College. Recent Peru Theatre Company directing credits include Orphans, Love Song, Proof, and Everybody. She is especially proud of PTC's annual production The Disco Citizens—30 plays in 60 minutes, or your... Read More →

Aaron Scully

NPP Chair, U of Central Missouri

Aaron Scully, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Central Missouri. His plays have been produced around the country including Atlanta, Des Moines, Washington D.C., Seattle and Pittsburgh, PA. Most recently a production of his play "The Disappointments" toured... Read More →

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST
Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, NPP

Audience Participants Only
Area Playwriting

9:30pm CST

ASPIRE Orientation

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

Orientation for ASPIRE Participants

Festival Leadership

Alex Pikiben

Aspire Coord, Truman State University

Alex is a Lecturer of Theatre in Lights/Sound from Truman State University. He is also a freelance Light/Sound Designer from Minneapolis, MN. His past credits include Hair at Premiere Playhouse, Ride the Cyclone at Truman State, and Audio mixer at the True/False Festival. He loves... Read More →

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting

Audience Participants Only
Area ASPIRE

9:30pm CST

Irene Ryan & MTI Prelim Respondent Orientation

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST

Marriott Salon F (2nd Floor)

Orientation for Irene Ryan Prelim Responders

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Cara is a queer director, educator, and writer based in Saint Paul, MN and Lamoni, IA. She recently directed the world premiere musical, THROUGH THE SUNKEN LANDS, by Avi Amon and Tim J. Lord for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Cara's national work includes credits with... Read More →

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Emily Wirkus

MTI Coordinator, University of North Dakota

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST
Marriott Salon F (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

Audience Participants Only

9:30pm CST

Load In/Out Responders Meeting

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST

Marriott Salon H (2nd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Originally from northwest ND, Noah J. Files has worked in the theatre on both coasts and throughout the Midwest. He earned his MFA in Scenic Design from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a BA in Theatre Arts from Minot State University in Minot, ND. A former Region V student... Read More →

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST
Marriott Salon H (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Invited Production

9:30pm CST

MTI Orientation

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Orientation for MTI Singing and Dance Auditioners

Festival Leadership

Allison Holmes-Bendixen

MTI Singing Associate Coordinator, Kirkwood Community College

Allison Holmes-Bendixen (she/her) is an artist, educator, musical theatre lover, opera enthusiast, and self-described vocal pedagogy nerd. She is a member of the faculty at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA; where she teaches a variety of music and theatre courses.An... Read More →

Sheldon Mba

MTI Dance Assoc. Coord, Wichita State University

Emily Wirkus

MTI Coordinator, University of North Dakota

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, MTI

Audience Participants Only

9:30pm CST

Professional Auditions and Technical Interviews Call Back Sign Up

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Joseph Urick

PA/TI Assoc Coord, Wichita State University

JOSEPH URICK is an award-winning actor based in Wichita, Kansas. He has performed Off-Broadway, nationally, and internationally at such theatres as the ZACH Scott, Texas Light Opera, and Theatre Soutwest in Texas; the Hippodrome and Florida Shakespeare; and the Papagaou Theatre and... Read More →

Billy Wilburn

Prof. Audition/Interview Coord., South Dakota State University

Billy is an Associate Professor of Theatre at South Dakota State University. He is also the Artistic Director of Prairie Repertory Theatre in Brookings, South Dakota, and serves as coordinator of Professional Auditions and Technical Interviews KCACTF 5. He earned his B.A. in Theatre... Read More →

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, PA/TI

Audience Participants Only

9:30pm CST

SDC Orientation

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST

Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor)

Orientation for all SDC participants

Festival Leadership

Jamie Bullins

SDC Coordinator, U of Nebraska Lincoln

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Sarah Belfrage-Honerman is the Director of Theatre at Minot State University. Belfrage-Honerman grew up in the Midwest, originally from Sioux Falls, SD.Belfrage-Honerman is a veteran educator, with over a decade of experience in the classroom and working in the theatre. She has built... Read More →

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST
Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, SDC

Audience Participants Only
Area Acting and Directing

9:30pm CST

Stage Management Orientation

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST

Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor)

Orientation for all Stage Management participants

Festival Leadership

Patrick Reading

Stage Management Coordinator, University of North Dakota

Patrick is currently the Technical Director and a Teaching Assistant Professor for the University of North Dakota Department of Theatre Arts. In addition to UND’s Technical Direction, he is the resident Sound Designer, supervisor of Stage Management and Properties and proudly acts... Read More →

Sunday January 19, 2025 9:30pm - 10:15pm CST
Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Stage Management

Audience Participants Only
Area Design Technology & Management

7:30am CST

Irene Ryan Prelim Selector Meeting

Monday January 20, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

Irene Ryan Prelim Selector Orientation (closed meeting)

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

Audience Participants Only

9:00am CST

Costume Runway Set Up

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CST

Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Costume Runway set up

Festival Leadership

Cassie Kay Hoppas

U of Central Missouri

Cassie Kay Hoppas is the Assistant Professor of Costumes for the Division of Theatre and Dance at University of Central Missouri. Originally from Erie, Ks, Cassie completed her BFA of Theatre from Emporia State University and her MFA in Costume Design and Production from the University... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CST
Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Orientation/Meeting, Costume Runway Intensive

9:00am CST

Information & Registration

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CST

Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Jonathan Wehmeyer

Associate Registrar, Truman State University

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CST
Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Information & Registration

9:00am CST

American Girl(s) Load In

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

Presenters

Spencer Musser

Assoc Workshop Coord, U of Central Missouri

Spencer Musser is the assistant professor of scene design and technical direction at the University of Central Missouri. He is a graduate of UMKC graduate theatre program and the Kansas City Art Institute. Since graduation he has worked and taught around the United States including... Read More →

Brad Reissig

University of North Dakota

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Invited Production

9:00am CST

Design Expo Check In

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor)

Design Expo check in and set up for all participating

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Emily Ganfield

DTM Chair, Coe College

Kate Kanne

EXPO Coord, Central College

AP Pikiben

Cost. Parade Coordinator, Truman State University

AP is a professor at Truman State University. This is their second year as the Co-Coordinator for the Expo and first year as Costume Parade Coordinator. AP is excited for another year at their favorite festival!

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Expo

5:00pm CST

Irene Ryan Selector Deliberations

Monday January 20, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

Irene Ryan Prelim Selector Deliberations (Closed Session)

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

7:00pm CST

10 Minute Play Casting

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Casting for the 10 Minute Plays (Closed Session)

Festival Leadership

Cat Gleason

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Truman State University

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

Aaron Scully

NPP Chair, U of Central Missouri

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, 10 Minute Plays

9:00pm CST

Irene Ryan Semis Orientation

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Orientation for all participating in the semifinals of Irene Ryans and their faculty coach

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

7:30am CST

MTI Selector Meeting

Tuesday January 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CST

Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor)

Meeting for Selectors of MTI Prelims (Closed Session)

Festival Leadership

Allison Holmes-Bendixen

MTI Singing Associate Coordinator, Kirkwood Community College

Emily Wirkus

MTI Coordinator, University of North Dakota

Tuesday January 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CST
Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, MTI

8:00am CST

Special Event: The Genius of Being Stupid Load In/Tech

Tuesday January 21, 2025 8:00am - 11:30am CST

Temple Theater

Tuesday January 21, 2025 8:00am - 11:30am CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Special Event

8:00am CST

MTI Headquarters

Tuesday January 21, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor)

Headquarters for MTI Leadership

Festival Leadership

Allison Holmes-Bendixen

MTI Singing Associate Coordinator, Kirkwood Community College

Sheldon Mba

MTI Dance Assoc. Coord, Wichita State University

Emily Wirkus

MTI Coordinator, University of North Dakota

Tuesday January 21, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, MTI

8:00am CST

Invited Production: Fuddy Meers Load In

Tuesday January 21, 2025 8:00am - 7:00pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Presenters

George Grubb

Technical Director/Sound Designer/Chair, Minnesota State U Mankato

Things I like: knot tying, teaching, building stuff, creating soundscapes, the outdoors, automation, rigging, drafting, cooking, eating, sleeping, being neurodivergent.

Natalie Hining

Stage Crew Olympics Coord, Simpson College

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 8:00am - 7:00pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Invited Production

9:00am CST

SDC Respondents Meeting

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

SDC Respondent Meeting and Orientation (Closed Session)

Guest Artists

Chuma Gault

Freelance Artist

Chuma is an actor, producer and director. He is ad for FAT HAM by James Ijams (Dezart Performs); directed “ROBBIN, from the HOOD”, by Marlow Wyatt (Road Theatre). Chuma is directing in residency with two plays at the L.A. LGBTQ Center with playwrights Tony Abatemarco (The LOST... Read More →

Kelsey Mesa

Managing KCACTF and Theatre Education, Kennedy Center

Kelsey Mesa's (she/her/hers) directing credits include Crimes of the Heart at Catholic University, Fefu and Her Friends at the University of Maryland, College Park; The Pavilion, The Magi, and Wish List at the Hub Theatre; and Othello, Antigonick, She Rode Horses Like the Stock Exchange... Read More →

Festival Leadership

Jamie Bullins

SDC Coordinator, U of Nebraska Lincoln

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, SDC

9:00am CST

Stage Management Review Books

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST

Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Closed Session

Guest Artists

Rachael C. Rhoades

Pillsbury House + Theatre

Rachael C. Rhoades is a professional stage and production manager, based in the Twin Cities. In the span of her 20+ year career, she has had the opportunity to work with everyone from artists beginning their career to Tony Award winning performers, and has taught stage management... Read More →

Tracy Armagost

Production and Recruiting Coordinator, Sante Fe Opera

Tracy Armagost is beginning her 38th Season with the Santa Fe Opera.Tracy’s first position with the Santa Fe Opera was as a Properties Carpenter Apprentice. Over the years, she has also worked as part of the Properties Run Crew, Development Office, and the Housing Office to name... Read More →

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Emily Ganfield

DTM Chair, Coe College

Patrick Reading

Stage Management Coordinator, University of North Dakota

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Orientation/Meeting, Stage Management

9:00am CST

Information & Registration

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CST

Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Jonathan Wehmeyer

Associate Registrar, Truman State University

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CST
Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Information & Registration

2:00pm CST

Santa Fe Opera Call Backs

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor)

Guest Artists

Tracy Armagost

Production and Recruiting Coordinator, Sante Fe Opera

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, PA/TI

2:00pm CST

American Girl(s) Load Out

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 6:00pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

Presenters

Spencer Musser

Assoc Workshop Coord, U of Central Missouri

Brad Reissig

University of North Dakota

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 6:00pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Invited Production

4:00pm CST

SDC Deliberations

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

Deliberations for SDC Prelim Round (Closed Session)

Guest Artists

Chuma Gault

Freelance Artist

Kelsey Mesa

Managing KCACTF and Theatre Education, Kennedy Center

Festival Leadership

Jamie Bullins

SDC Coordinator, U of Nebraska Lincoln

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, SDC

6:30pm CST

Special Event: The Genius of Being Stupid Load Out

Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm CST

Temple Theater

Guest Artists

Keenan Scott II

University of Missouri

Keenan Scott II is a playwright, poet, actor, director, and producer of original work from Queens, New York. His work has been workshopped and produced at notable theaters such as National Black Theater, New York Theater Workshop, Arena Stage, and Woolly Mammoth. His critically acclaimed... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Special Event

9:30pm CST

Invited Production: Fuddy Meers Load Out

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:30pm - 11:55pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Presenters

George Grubb

Technical Director/Sound Designer/Chair, Minnesota State U Mankato

Things I like: knot tying, teaching, building stuff, creating soundscapes, the outdoors, automation, rigging, drafting, cooking, eating, sleeping, being neurodivergent.

Natalie Hining

Stage Crew Olympics Coord, Simpson College

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:30pm - 11:55pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Invited Production

7:30am CST

Irene Ryan Semi Respondent Meeting

Wednesday January 22, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Meeting for Ryan Semifinals Respondents (Closed Session)

Guest Artists

Chuma Gault

Freelance Artist

Kelsey Mesa

Managing KCACTF and Theatre Education, Kennedy Center

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Wednesday January 22, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

8:00am CST

The Night Witches Load In

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

Presenters

Brian Begley

Wayne State College

Kate Kanne

EXPO Coord, Central College

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Invited Production

8:00am CST

Invited Production: Ride the Cyclone Load In

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Presenters

Tetta Askeland

Southwest Minnesota State U

Tetta M. Askeland is a scenic designer and educator currently based in Minnesota. She received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern College and received her MFA in Scenic Design and Technology from Kent State University. In addition to freelance work, Askeland teaches theatrical... Read More →

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Invited Production

9:00am CST

Drag Show Light Programing

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00am - 1:00pm CST

Temple Theater

Festival Leadership

Casey Paradies

Drag Show Coord, South Dakota State University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00am - 1:00pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Drag

9:00am CST

Information & Registration

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CST

Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Jonathan Wehmeyer

Associate Registrar, Truman State University

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CST
Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Information & Registration

1:00pm CST

Drag Show Tech

Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Temple Theater

Festival Leadership

Casey Paradies

Drag Show Coord, South Dakota State University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Drag

4:00pm CST

Irene Ryan Finals Selection

Wednesday January 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Closed Session

Guest Artists

Chuma Gault

Freelance Artist

Kelsey Mesa

Managing KCACTF and Theatre Education, Kennedy Center

Festival Leadership

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

9:00pm CST

Invited Production: Ride the Cyclone Load Out

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00pm - 11:55pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Presenters

Tetta Askeland

Southwest Minnesota State U

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00pm - 11:55pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Invited Production

10:00pm CST

SDC Meeting

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:00pm - 10:45pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Jamie Bullins

SDC Coordinator, U of Nebraska Lincoln

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:00pm - 10:45pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, SDC

10:00pm CST

Irene Ryan Finals Orientation

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:00pm - 11:00pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Orientation for all selected for Ryan Finals and their faculty coach

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:00pm - 11:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

8:00am CST

Special Event: The Gull Load In

Thursday January 23, 2025 8:00am - 12:30pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Guest Artists

Joan Korte

TheatreMidwest

As an actor, director, and teacher, Joan Korte is enthusiastic to share her passion for storytelling. She has most recently been involved with TheatreMidwest (IA) where she has appeared in THE GULL; A TRAGICOMEDY FOR ONE--AFTER CHEKHOV, WHEN THE MESSENGER IS HOT, and ATLAS OF MUD... Read More →

Tom Woldt

TheatreMidwest

TOM WOLDT is Founding Artistic Director of TheatreMidwest (2018.) As a Theatre Educator, he was Professor and Chair at Doane College, Simpson College, and University of South Dakota, and had other part-time/guest-artist activities. For KCACTF, Tom is a former Region 5 Chair, National... Read More →

Thursday January 23, 2025 8:00am - 12:30pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Special Event

9:00am CST

Information & Registration

Thursday January 23, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CST

Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Jonathan Wehmeyer

Associate Registrar, Truman State University

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Thursday January 23, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CST
Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Information & Registration

12:00pm CST

SDC Finalists Interviews

Thursday January 23, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

Guest Artists

Chuma Gault

Freelance Artist

Kelsey Mesa

Managing KCACTF and Theatre Education, Kennedy Center

Festival Leadership

Jamie Bullins

SDC Coordinator, U of Nebraska Lincoln

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Thursday January 23, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, SDC

2:00pm CST

SDC Interviews

Thursday January 23, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Renaissance Savery Capitol

Presenters

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Festival Leadership

Jamie Bullins

SDC Coordinator, U of Nebraska Lincoln

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Thursday January 23, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Renaissance Savery Capitol 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, SDC

2:30pm CST

Special Event: The Gull Load Out

Thursday January 23, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Guest Artists

Joan Korte

TheatreMidwest

Tom Woldt

TheatreMidwest

Thursday January 23, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting

2:30pm CST

The Night Witches Load Out

Thursday January 23, 2025 2:30pm - 6:30pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

Presenters

Brian Begley

Wayne State College

Kate Kanne

EXPO Coord, Central College

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Thursday January 23, 2025 2:30pm - 6:30pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting

5:00pm CST

SDC Load Out Furniture

Thursday January 23, 2025 5:00pm - 5:30pm CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Emma Arends

Co Volunteer Coordinator, U of Minnesota Morris

Jacee Casarella

Co-Volunteer Coordinator, Augustana University

Thursday January 23, 2025 5:00pm - 5:30pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Volunteers

7:00pm CST

DTM Expo Respondent Deliberations

Thursday January 23, 2025 7:00pm - 11:00pm CST

Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor)

(Closed Session)

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Emily Ganfield

DTM Chair, Coe College

Kate Kanne

EXPO Coord, Central College

AP Pikiben

Cost. Parade Coordinator, Truman State University

Thursday January 23, 2025 7:00pm - 11:00pm CST
Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, DTM Expo

10:00pm CST

SDC Meeting

Thursday January 23, 2025 10:00pm - 10:45pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Jamie Bullins

SDC Coordinator, U of Nebraska Lincoln

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Thursday January 23, 2025 10:00pm - 10:45pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, SDC

8:00am CST

DTM Expo Strike

Friday January 24, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm CST

Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Emily Ganfield

DTM Chair, Coe College

Kate Kanne

EXPO Coord, Central College

AP Pikiben

Cost. Parade Coordinator, Truman State University

Friday January 24, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm CST
Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, DTM Expo

8:30am CST

10 Minute Play Tech Rehearsal

Friday January 24, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

Festival Leadership

Cat Gleason

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Truman State University

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

Aaron Scully

NPP Chair, U of Central Missouri

Friday January 24, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, 10 Minute Plays

9:00am CST

Information & Registration

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST

Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Jonathan Wehmeyer

Associate Registrar, Truman State University

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Information & Registration

9:00am CST

Irene Ryan Finals Rehearsal

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Rehearsals for all Ryan finals, time and order TBD (Closed Session)

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

10:30am CST

Santa Fe Opera Call Backs

Friday January 24, 2025 10:30am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor)

Guest Artists

Tracy Armagost

Production and Recruiting Coordinator, Sante Fe Opera

Friday January 24, 2025 10:30am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, PA/TI

12:30pm CST

ITJA Respondent Deliberations

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

Closed Session

Guest Artists

Michael Morain

dsm magazine

Michael Morain is the editor-in-chief of dsm magazine, which covers arts and culture in Des Moines. He reviewed theater for a decade for the Des Moines Register, co-founded the Cloris Awards for local theater, and is a two-time fellow of the National Endowment for the Arts Institute... Read More →

Festival Leadership

Susan Hansen

ITJA Coordinator, Riverland Community College

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, ITJA

1:00pm CST

DTM Expo Board Strike

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Emily Ganfield

DTM Chair, Coe College

Kate Kanne

EXPO Coord, Central College

AP Pikiben

Cost. Parade Coordinator, Truman State University

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, DTM Expo

1:30pm CST

Irene Ryan Finals Selector Meeting

Friday January 24, 2025 1:30pm - 1:50pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Orientation for Ryan finals selectors (Closed Session)

Guest Artists

Ashley DeMoville

R7 Co-Chair, Spokane Falls CC

Dr. Ashley DeMoville is an accomplished academic leader, director, and educator dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion in theater education. Currently the Interim Dean of Visual and Performing Arts at Spokane Falls Community College, she holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational... Read More →

CarlosAlexis Cruz

UNC Charlotte/Nouveau Sud

CarlosAlexis Cruz is the Producing Artistic Director of the Nouveau Sud Circus project; a circus for social change company in service of intercultural and cross cultural communications in the urban region of Charlotte, North Carolina.Cruz’s Nouveau Sud was awarded a NEFA National... Read More →

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Correy West was last seen on Broadway in Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. He made his Broadway debut in South Pacific at Lincoln Center. Subsequently, he performed in the Broadway production of Nice Work If You Can Get It at the Imperial Theatre alongside Matthew... Read More →

Karen Burthwright

Open Jar Institute

Karen is thrilled and honored to be back here with Region 5 at KCACTF this year. In 2018, 2020, (and virtually in 2022) Karen (AEA, SAG/AFTRA, CAEA, ACTRA) was a guest artist who taught musical theatre workshops, was the MTI choreographer/Open Jar representative, and judged and responded... Read More →

Festival Leadership